Local Worimi Elders conducted what is possibly the first ever traditional smoking ceremony on the water at the official naming of two new oyster reefs in the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park. 

The new reefs were named Bindayimaguba Ninang and Garuwaguba Ninang, which translate as home of the black possum oysters and sea country oyster. 

The names reflect the Worimi People’s strong cultural connection to Sea Country (Garuwa). 

Worimi Elders conducted the smoking ceremony out on the waters of the Marine Park at Karuah, next to one of the new reefs, with industry and community representatives in attendance. 

Australia has lost an estimated 99% of its oyster reefs since colonisation. 

The restored oyster reefs represent a step to redress this massive historic loss and restore the balance in the estuaries.

The reefs were created as part of the Port Stephens Shellfish Reef Restoration project…